NJ Cracks Down on Loud Music from Vehicles Now Subject to Hefty Fines

In a move targeted at maintaining community tranquility, New Jersey's Acting Governor, Nick Scutari, has approved new regulations that will come down hard on loud music emanating from motor vehicles, specifically, the notorious "boom cars". These vehicles, loaded with large stacks of speakers, have become a headache in many neighborhoods, disrupting the peace with music that can be heard from miles away.

The Problem with Boom Parties

For a long time, New Jersey has been trying to tackle the issue of these so-called 'boom parties', a source of many sleepless nights for the residents of the state. These parties, featuring cars blaring their music at deafening volumes.

The Town of Harrison had for a period of time issues with loud music being played across the Passaic River in Newark that was extremely loud and affecting residents quality of life.  There is something about a body of water amplifying the loud music making it sound like your neighbor is having a wild party with music but it actually is coming from across the river.  The Town of Kearny residents could attest to the music coming from the other side of the Passaic River from a desolated area in North Newark NJ where a group gathered on weekends to play music from their “boom cars” filled with speakers.

The Specifications of the New Law

Under the new law, a uniform standard for noise violations has been set. If a car’s music can be heard from a distance of 50 feet away, it's considered a violation. Those found guilty will have to face financial repercussions:

• First offense: A fine ranging from $250 to $500.
• Second offense: A fine between $500 to $750.
• Third offense: A fine of $750 to $1,000, along with two points on your Driver’s License.

Initially, there was a proposal to give the police the authority to confiscate violating vehicles. However, this provision was not included in the final legislation.

Acting Governor Nick Scutari emphasized the significance of the new legislation, stating that such disturbances have negatively impacted the quality of life in residential neighborhoods at all hours.

The Unanimous Support

The legislation, titled A4686, was proposed by state Senators Nilsa Cruz-Perez, James Beach, and Troy Singleton, along with state Assemblymen William Spearman and William Moen. In a testament to the universal acknowledgement of the problem, the state Legislature approved the bill without a single opposing vote.

Senator Singleton encapsulated the sentiment of many affected residents by saying, “Residents, even those miles away from the Delaware River, can feel the bass vibrating their homes, which tortuously keeps them awake all night long.” He further added, “This law sends a clear message that this will not be tolerated in our state, and there will be real consequences for their actions.” Senator Singleton, although from South Jersey, assisted the West Hudson Community when it faced off against the New Jersey Sports & Exhibition Authority in its efforts to close and cap the Keegan Landfill in Kearny NJ.

In essence, this new law is a beacon of hope for those seeking respite from the blaring disturbances of boom parties. Time will tell how effective the law proves to be, but for now, it sends a strong message against noise pollution in New Jersey.

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